Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Our latest Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report focuses on the connection between wellness and the outdoors. Since the inception of KOA’s annual camping research, campers have reported that physical and mental wellness benefits are the driving force behind their participation in camping. This report finds: 🌲 Over 9 million households plan to include a wellness experience this year. The most common activities include forest bathing (83%) and water-based activities (70%). 🌱 Millennials lead the charge for wellness, saying camping boosts their emotional well-being. 📵 65% of campers find the idea of a digital detox appealing. 🧘 Today’s campers seek simplicity and connection, preferring spontaneous and individualized experiences within nature verse structured activities. Discover more about how spending time in the outdoors nurtures wellness and wellbeing in our full report. >>> https://lnkd.in/eDd97wCs?

While glamping is one of camping's newest categories, it now stands out as one of the most popular introductions to camping. The fourth release in our Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report Series examines the growing importance of glamping, now a formidable component of the camping landscape. 2024 Highlights of the Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Glamping Report: 🏕️ With low barriers to entry that are attractive to both those interested in camping and leisure travelers, one-third of new campers said they tried glamping in 2023. 🔄 First-time glampers are eager to get back outdoors, with an impressive 80% sharing that they plan to continue glamping or camping. 🛜 Glampers tend to be younger and more tech-savvy than other campers. A higher propensity to work while traveling makes Wi-Fi an important factor in deciding where to stay. 🏡 Cabins are the preferred accommodations among glampers (29%), followed by canvas glamping/safari tents (18%), and tiny homes (15%). 🚶🏽♀️ Compared to other travelers, glampers are more comfortable with solo travel; 27% have taken solo trips in the past and plan to do so again in 2024. Read the report >>> https://lnkd.in/eYpu_5Zg

What are the trends exciting campers in 2024? The latest installment in our Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report Series, Camping Trips and Travel Experiences, answers this question and more. 2024 Highlights include: 🚐 The popularity of RVs continues, with ownership doubling since 2014. RV rentals, especially peer-to-peer, have also increased, with 1.9 million households projected to rent this year. 🍂 Shoulder season camping is attracting more guests, with off-peak trips increasing by 21% since 2021. In contrast, peak-season camping has decreased by 4%. 🌄 Glamping leads the way for outdoor trips in 2024, as 36% of respondents say they hope to stay at an outdoor resort for glamping this year. Another 33% say they want to stay at a campground with a lot of services and amenities. 🏕️ Natural events, food tourism, and visiting small towns are the top camping experiences predicted in 2024. 🗺️ The most important travel considerations for 2024 are spending more time with family and friends (48%), improving personal wellness (16%) and taking more PTO from work (12%). Read the report >>> https://lnkd.in/gggEGHyT

Recognizing brands building stronger and deeper customer loyalty, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. was recently presented with two Loyalty360 awards at the Loyalty Expo in Orlando, Florida. KOA was awarded “Gold” in the Corporate Social Responsibility and Loyalty category for its “Get Out There Bag” program that removed barriers to outdoor exploration by distributing 1,000 adventure bags to urban youth and their adult chaperones. KOA also earned the “Silver” award in the Brand-to-Brand Partnerships category for its KOA Rewards program. 

The second report in our industry-leading Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report series provides a comprehensive look at camping in Canada. While Canadian campers share similarities with their American neighbors, they overall have a stronger draw to the outdoors deeply ingrained in their culture. In the past decade, active camping households have increased by 68% in Canada. Additionally, the number of Canadians who bring their children camping has grown by more than 110%, indicating the activity's importance as a family activity. Read the report >>> https://lnkd.in/g8jD7n3Z

In an era where hybrid careers and staying connected have changed the face of work and travel, camping and glamping continue to be popular travel options following a pandemic surge. In a recent conversation with Fast Company, Toby O'Rourke, CEO and president of Kampgrounds of America, Inc., shared how travelers are using technology to combine work and leisure to explore more in 2024.

This morning, I introduced insights from our tenth annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report to our RV industry partners at the annual RV Power Breakfast which boasted over 1350 attendees. Having ten years worth of data has allowed us to look at significant trends over time, including increased camping households, higher frequency of trips, more diversity, younger generations, and the introduction of peer-to-peer. Our sector has come a long way and solidified a prominent position within the travel landscape, with 1 of every 4 leisure trips involving camping. I touched on observations about the current landscape where we have a highly engaged camper base with a lower at-risk profile. The Boomer is returning to camping and some are even discovering camping for the first time. There's also desire for a return to spontaneity in RV travel and the booking window is showing signs of shortening. Most importantly I shifted the discussion to the future. There are many sparks within our data that have caught my attention, indicating where campers' expectations may be headed. Delivering upon convenience, enabling off-grid experience, addressing accessibility, and leveraging advancements in AI and tech-enabled personalization will help position the outdoor hospitality sector well as we compete for the traveler's time, attention, and spending.

Celebrating a decade of industry-leading research, we are pleased to share our 2024 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report. This year, our highly anticipated report has been expanded into a 10-part series, allowing a deeper examination of the dramatic growth and impact of outdoor hospitality and camping. Findings from our Top Level Overview include: 🟡Campgrounds have welcomed more than 41 million first-time camping households since the first survey was conducted in 2014 🟡In the last decade, total camping households increased by 23%, and active camping households surged by 68%. 🟡Since 2014, there has been a 98% increase in the number of households that camp three or more times annually. 🟡More than half of campers report they are more likely to continue camping in 2024 and beyond, a 15% increase over 2023.

Looking to travel and not break the bank? In a recent article, POPSUGAR explores innovative ways to make the most of your travel budget, such as considering a range of accommodations, such as cabins or glamping options, that get you out of the usual hotels. Check out all of POPSUGAR's tips, which feature expert advice from Diane Eichler, senior vice president of marketing at Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Heading out for the eclipse on Monday? If you're camping at a KOA campground in the path of totality, be sure to snag one of our swag boxes included with each reservation! As mentioned on TODAY.com, each box features treats from MoonPie and SunChips.